('93-'01) Subaru Launches Rally Team USA at New York Auto Show

[MstrDC]

I'm really sorry if this has been posted already. Did a search and found nothing. But here it is:Subaru Launches Rally Team USA at New York Auto Show; - New Racing Team to Compete in SCCA ProRally Events Throughout '01 -
NEW YORK, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA), a pioneer of crossover all-wheel drive vehicles designed for the active lifestyle, today unveiled its new 2002 Impreza WRX rally car and introduced the Subaru Rally Team USA. Announced today at the New York Auto Show, Subaru Rally Team USA will compete in the remaining 7 events of the 2001 SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) ProRally series.

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A truly world class effort, Subaru Rally Team USA is a collaboration between Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Tecnica International (STi) and Subaru World Rally team representative, Prodrive. Also introduced today were Subaru Rally Team USA's drivers, including reigning SCCA Pro Rally Group N Champion Karl Scheible and British National Rally Champion, Mark Lovell. Scheible, along with co-driver Brian Maxwell, will pilot a 2002 Impreza WRX in the Group N class, while Lovell and co-driver Steve Turvey will compete for top honors in the Open class.

``Rally racing has a passionate following in the United States and Subaru plans to be where these fans are with Subaru Rally Team USA. This is the latest extension of our Driving Performance strategy,'' said Subaru VP of Marketing, Bill Cyphers. ``The All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX provides a unique combination of power and control that is ideally suited for rally competition.''

``Prodrive is thrilled to be given the chance to bring our World Rally Championship experience to the U.S. Rally Series,'' said Hugh Chambers, Motorsports Director, Subaru Rally Team USA. ``There is no question that the United States is about to see a spectacular explosion of interest in rallying over the next few years. In particular the youth market, or `PlayStation Generation,' just love it. We hope to be the U.S. rally fan's favorite team.''

Impreza WRX, World Rally Proven

No stranger to rally competition on some of the world's most grueling terrain, Subaru Impreza WRX models have captured three consecutive FIA World Rally Championship titles. In fact, Subaru has more rally wins than any manufacturer over the past six seasons of the World Rally Championship and is the reigning champion in the SCCA ProRally Production GT class. Subaru Rally Team USA recently swept the top spots at the 2001 SCCA Oregon Trail Rally in Tillamook, Ore., finishing first in the Open class, first place overall and first in Group N.

In February 2001, Subaru forged a strategic partnership with the SCCA, enabling owners of the high-performance 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX models to receive a complimentary, one-year club membership. The SCCA is the leading sanctioning body for professional and amateur road racing, rally and autocross events in the United States. The partnership also designates Subaru as an ``Official Supporter of the SCCA.''

For additional information on Subaru Impreza WRX, visit www.ImprezaWRX.com. Starting April 27, follow all the news of Subaru Rally Team USA at www.rally.subaru.com.


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